Ura Kidane Mihret, Ethiopian Orthodox monastery in Mirab Gojjam Zone, Ethiopia.
Ura Kidane Mihret is a monastery on the Zege peninsula in Lake Tana, featuring a distinctive circular building surrounded by thick forest and vegetation. The church was built using traditional materials and methods, sitting in a remote location near the water's edge.
The monastery was founded in the 14th century and received its current circular church form during the 16th century. This period marked a time of expansion and development as the community strengthened its presence in the region.
The interior walls are covered with painted scenes depicting biblical moments and important figures from Ethiopian history. These artworks tell stories that give visitors a sense of how the Orthodox faith has been expressed through local art traditions.
Visitors arrive by boat from Bahir Dar, followed by a walk through the forest to reach the entrance. Good walking shoes are recommended as the forest paths can be slippery, especially after rain.
The monastery's treasury holds imperial crowns from several Ethiopian rulers, including Emperor Yohannes IV and Emperor Tewodros II. These precious objects show the deep connection between religious institutions and royal authority in Ethiopia's past.
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